Chapter 101
After dinner, Victoria received a call from Diana. Just as she was about to say something, her wrist was suddenly grasped. She turned in surprise to find Henry dragging her into the study.
She quickly hung up the phone, terrified he might have noticed something. She tried to wrench her hand free.
"What are you doing?" she and staring at him in confusion.
What was wrong with him now?
Henry watched her, her eyes filled with wariness, his tone icy. "Victoria, aren't you taking this too far? Jude is your son. Are you going to keep treating him so coldly?"
Victoria rubbed her wrist, calmly replying, "I'm not being cold to him. I simply have an equal dislike for all rude, arrogant, and unpleasant children."
Henry was speechless.
His expression grew even more strained, his gaze fixed on her with intensified coldness.
Victoria said cautiously, "You can't force me to pretend to like him, can you? What's the point of insincere affection? Instead of wasting time with me, he might as well spend more time with Sarah. I see he's quite fond of her."
"You three should just be a happy family. Just leave me alone."
"You mind him being close to Sarah?"
Unexpectedly, Henry's tone softened, the coldness on his face fading slightly, replaced by a playful glint in his eyes.
Victoria stared at him, speechless, her face expressionless. "I don't mind. In fact, I hope you and I can get a divorce soon so you can be together openly."
With that, she turned and walked away.
She had made herself clear; he couldn't possibly misunderstand.
Henry watched her walk away, a thin smirk playing on his lips. It seemed she really did mind Sarah.
She still cared about Jude and him.
Victoria took Emma and left without another word.
Henry went to find Jude.
"You need to keep your distance from Sarah from now on," he said.
"Why?" Jude's face was creased with confusion.
"Your mother doesn't like Sarah," Henry explained calmly. "If you're close to her, your mother will be unhappy."
Jude frowned. "But Ms. Miller is nice. I like her."
Henry gave him a cold look. "Who do you want more, your mom or Sarah?"
Jude fell silent.
Before, he would have chosen Sarah without hesitation. She was beautiful, gentle, and talented. When she danced, she shone so brightly. Watching her from the audience filled him with joy and pride.
But now, he hesitated.
Seeing Emma bask in Victoria's affection, he wanted that, too.
He used to have all of Victoria's attention.
He didn't want to lose it.
Henry looked at the conflicted expression on his little face and said calmly, "Make your choice. I won't interfere too much, but don't regret it later."
Victoria met Diana at the entrance of a film and television company.
Tina, trailing behind her, greeted Victoria with a cheerful smile.
Diana, with her ethereal beauty and aloof demeanor, said, "With Vika's comeback, many people want to collaborate with you. I've shortlisted some high–quality artists, all hardworking and scandal–free. Partnering with them will boost your fame."
Victoria gave her a finger heart. "Thank you for your hard work, honey."
"It's no trouble at all," Diana replied. "I'm your agent. You making money means I make money."
They entered the building and stepped into the elevator.
Diana lowered her voice. "About that incident, I have a lead.
I found a surveillance video showing someone suspiciously approaching the table with the glasses.
Shortly after, a waiter took those glasses away.
Henry drank one of those drinks and became disoriented. "
Victoria's eyes lit up. "Did you see the person's face clearly?"
Diana took out her phone and showed her.
The surveillance footage was blurry, but it was clear that the figure was a woman dressed in a cleaner's uniform, with a mask covering her face completely.
Victoria's expression froze. "This person is the key. We need to find a way to get the staff list from the cocktail party."
"That's going to be tough," Diana said, her face grim. "Brace yourself, Victoria. This could turn into a real mess."
Victoria lowered her eyes, a feeling of dread settling in her stomach. If they couldn't get to the bottom of this, the blame would forever hang over her head.
For the past five years, she hadn't bothered investigating.
She'd been in love with Henry, and she'd held onto hope for Jude.
Before Sarah, before the realization that she was a stand–in, before the crushing discovery that she was utterly dispensable, she'd actually had expectations for her life.
Even though he had bluntly stated that he would never love her...
"Ding!"
The elevator doors slid open. Victoria composed herself and said calmly, "Take your time, Diana. It's okay if we can't find anything."
"Alright."
Someone was waiting by the elevator.
"Excuse me, are you Ms. Vika?"
Victoria nodded. "Please, just call me Vika."
"Oh, hello! I'm Steven Wills, Hendrick's assistant. Please come with me. Mr. Hendrick's already waiting for you in the studio."